OLDER residents in Ealing are being urged to get their applications for winter fuel payments in early this year to ensure they receive help to keep their homes snug during winter. The government has said that new applications received by September 22 will ensure payment before Christmas.

Leader of Ealing Council Labour group Cllr Sonika Nirwal said: "The summer months have flown by and I want to make sure those who are entitled to receive either a £200 or £300 fuel payment get their application in as soon as possible to guarantee help with their bills this side of Christmas."

Residents should not need to apply for the winter fuel payment if they have received it previously, or are already claiming a state pension.

Those who have not received a payment before will need to make a claim. The deadline for all claims for 2006/07 is March 30, 2007.

Cllr Nirwal added: "The winter fuel payment is something the Labour government fought hard to deliver and I firmly believe no one should have to worry about how to heat their homes during winter.

"This year more than 11 million people aged 60 and over stand to be entitled to help with their heating bills - I'm determined residents in Ealing don't lose out."